This webinar will explore the role of good systems of clinical work in reducing errors and therefore improving patient safety. As veterinary medicine gets more & more complex the potential for human error has increased with the complexity. If one small step in a procedure is missed out it can have serious consequences. Having standardised systems in place is very important in managing cases as is communication between vets within the practice dealing with a case, between vets & nurses, & between members of the nursing team. In 2004 the World Health Organisation estimated that at least 50% of the adverse effects of surgery are preventable, so they launched the Global Patient Safety Challenge, “Safe Surgery saves Lives”. As a result of this they published the Safe Surgery checklist. This checklist is broken down into 3 sections, it takes the team through from the first checklist before the induction of anaesthesia, then the second list before the skin incision & finally to before the patient leaves the operating theatre. Practices may feel that they already carry out sufficient checks & do not need a checklist but evidence is that use of the Safe Surgery checklist for example has decreased complications in all hospitals where it has been used whether in first or third world countries. It also improves team communication. Guidelines & protocols should always be drawn up considering the evidence base & following team discussion, so all team members feel involved from the start. Implementation of any protocol or checklist needs good team engagement, training & education. Checklists and protocols are an important part of clinical governance and help to develop the team’s awareness of possible complications and foster an open culture where errors can be discussed and learned from.

She was a partner in a Veterinary Hospital for 17 years. Pam is currently Lead Assessor for the RCVS Practice Standards Scheme. She is also an SQP assessor for AMTRA & organise CPD webinars for SQPs. She edit the BSAVA Guide to the Use of Veterinary Medicines and organise the BSAVA Dispensing Course and still do some locum work in practices. Pam is very interested Clinical governance and in how improving systems can help reduce errors in Veterinary practice.